+0  
 
0
447
2
avatar

Here is a hard one from AoPS. I have given it my all, but need some fast help. Here it is:

 

Suppose that I have 6 different books, 2 of which are math books. In how many ways can I stack my  books on a shelf if I do not want the math books to be next to each other?

 

I tried to make 6 cases, a math book in the first position, in the second, third, and so on, but when I got to the third case, I found two more. It would get difficult quickly. Me and my parents don’t know what to do.

 

Thanks in advance!

 Feb 4, 2019
 #1
avatar+128063 
+1

The total possible arrangements = 6! = 720

 

Let's count the arrangements where the math books ARE together

 

They can appear in any of 5 positions and for each of these...they can be arranged in two ways....and in all these arrangements....the other 4 books can be arranged in 4! = 24 ways

 

So.....the total  arrangements where they are together = 5 * 2 * 4! = 240 ways

 

So....the arrangements where they DON'T appear together =  720 - 240  =   480

 

 

cool cool cool

 Feb 4, 2019
 #2
avatar
0

Thanks CPhill!

Guest Feb 4, 2019

6 Online Users

avatar
avatar
avatar